Immunocytochemical detection of DNA topoisomerase type II in primary breast carcinomas: correlation with clinico-pathological features.

DNA topoisomerase type II (DT-II) is a major component of interphase nuclear matrix fractions, present in S-phase of the cell cycle. A series of 80 carcinomatous breast surgical samples was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, using a polyclonal antibody in a comparison with Ki-67 antiserum. A correlation with clinico-pathological data was also performed. Infiltrating ductal and lobular carcinomas constantly express DT-II with varying intensity of nuclear staining; a similar immunohistochemical pattern is observed with Ki-67. A frequent co-expression of DT-II and Ki-67 is encountered with double immunostaining; accordingly to these data, a linear relationship is evident when linear regression is employed. In addition, significant relationships between DT-II values and tumour size, histological grade and node involvement are shown, while an inverse correlation is appreciable between DT-II and oestrogen receptors and progesterone receptors. DT-II may be considered to be an additional operational marker for the proliferating fraction of cells in breast carcinomas.